In a significant crackdown on narcotics across southern Tamil Nadu, police arrested five people and seized a large quantity of drugs, including hashish oil valued at approximately one crore rupees, in coordinated operations on Wednesday.
Three Districts, Multiple Seizures
The anti-drug operations were conducted simultaneously in Madurai, Theni, and Tuticorin districts, leading to the recovery of 18 kilograms of ganja and 5 litres of hashish oil. The combined street value of the seized contraband is estimated to be well over one crore rupees, with the hashish oil alone accounting for the bulk of the value.
Madurai: Mid-Day Ganja Haul
The first incident occurred around noon in Madurai. Acting on a specific tip, a police team led by Inspector Ganesan was patrolling near the Vadipatti TNEB office on the Madurai-Dindigul road. They noticed a man acting suspiciously. Upon seeing the police, the individual, later identified as Manikuyil (28) from Wayanad in Kerala, attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended. A search of his bag revealed 6 kg of ganja. He was arrested on the spot, and a case was registered at the Vadipatti police station.
Theni: Evening Bust Nets Repeat Offender
Later in the evening, around 8 pm, Sub-Inspector Deepak of Kadamalaikundu police was on patrol near the Daana Thottam bus stop on the Kadamalaikundu-Kandamanur road in Theni district. His attention was drawn to two men standing with travel bags. When questioned, they provided inconsistent answers, raising suspicion. A search of their bags uncovered 12 kg of ganja, neatly packed in 12 parcels across the two bags.
The accused were identified as Pandi (42) from Viruveedu in Dindigul district and Ramesh (45) from Cumbum in Theni district. Police also seized Rs 16,800 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug sales. Investigation revealed that Ramesh was a habitual offender, with eight prior cases related to ganja already registered against him. Given his criminal history, the District Superintendent of Police has initiated proceedings to detain him under the stringent Goondas Act.
Tuticorin: High-Value Hashish Oil Intercepted
In a separate but equally significant operation in Tuticorin district, a police team from Thalamuthu Nagar was conducting vehicle checks at the Kovilpillaivizai junction. They stopped two men arriving on a two-wheeler. Similar to the Theni case, the duo gave contradictory statements during questioning.
A thorough check led to the discovery of 5 litres of hashish oil in their possession. The police estimated the value of the seized oil to be around Rs 1 crore. The two individuals, identified as Rajesh (39) and Francis (22), both residents of Tuticorin, were immediately arrested. The two-wheeler used for transportation was also confiscated, and a case was registered.
Ongoing Crackdown and Legal Action
All five arrested individuals have been remanded to judicial custody. The police have registered separate cases under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act across the three police stations. The initiation of the Goondas Act against one accused underscores the authorities' intent to take severe action against repeat offenders in the drug trade.
These coordinated raids highlight the continued focus of Tamil Nadu police on disrupting the supply chain of narcotics in the region. The seizures, particularly of the high-value hashish oil, represent a major financial blow to local drug peddling networks. Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the drugs and identify other individuals involved in the distribution chain.
